164 A CHINESE LIFE OF MOHAMMED 



-a wife ; it was said by Abbas that over 200 of the women of 

 Mecca vowed that they would never marry because they 

 could not have Abdullah ! 



The father and mother of Mohammed were both 25 years 

 of age when they married, and after five years the Prophet 

 was conceived and the light was transmitted. The conception 

 was announced by all things in creation saying one to 

 another: "The greatest of prophets has received the begin- 

 ning of life; henceforth everywhere under heaven there will 

 be peace and tranquillity, and the world will be illuminated." 

 All the watery tribes lifted up their heads towards heaven in 

 an attitude of thanksgiving and said: "The time has come; 

 the world has now a lamp." On that memorable day, from 

 the thrones of all emperors and kings there went forth a 

 ray of light, making an arc from each throne toward Mecca, 

 signifying that the rulers were as ministers bowing towards 

 the capital of their emperor. 



Amina was informed in a dream of her felicity in being 

 the mother of the one who is foremost among men and 

 spirits, and the most eminent among prophets and emperors. 

 The name "Mohammed" was conveyed to her through 

 dreams and by a supernatural voice which directed that this 

 was to be the child's name. 



Abd ul Muttalib told his son Abdullah about some won- 

 derful dates which grew at Medina, known as the "myriad 

 year" dates, which were able to* cure all diseases and pains; 

 in size this date was, when dried, as large as a hen's egg. It 

 would be very beneficial to secure some of these dates in 

 readiness for the coming happy event when mother and child 

 would find them useful. Abdullah thereupon set forth on 

 the journey to Medina, but died on the way; so Mohammed 

 was a posthumous child. 



The grandfather took great care of the widow who, in 

 due time, gave birth to her wonderful son, fairies assisting, and 

 7000 angels in the form of youths surrounding the house to 

 protect him from evil spirits; each angel held a golden vase, 

 and they all sang praises to the virtues of the Prophet. 

 Then appeared three companies of angels with golden vases 

 filled with precious unguents and perfumes with which they 

 bathed the child, and then put green embroidered clothing 

 on him. After the ceremony a white cloud floated into the 

 room and enveloped Mohammed who was then taken up to 

 the heavens ; when passing through the lower heavens he saw 

 and exchanged greetings with the ancient prophets and 

 worthies; upward he passed right into- the ninth heaven, and 

 was there initiated into the deepest mysteries and had im- 

 parted to him the best knowledge of every kind. 



